The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has called for safety audits of construction projects across the country. The call follows two building tragedies in two days: in Syokimau on Friday and in Riverside on Saturday. The Star reported that at least nine people died.
"Enough is enough," the institution said in a statement. It said Kenya cannot keep counting casualties, issuing condolences and making promises while weaknesses in the construction sector go unfixed. IEK said the weaknesses lie in engineering design, building practices, professional supervision, inspection and enforcement of the rules.
IEK said it sent structural engineers to both sites right after the incidents to support rescue operations. In Syokimau, early assessments point to the temporary structures holding up a concrete slab, including formwork, falsework and vertical props. IEK said investigators should check how those supports were designed and inspected before the concrete was poured. They should also examine how the pouring was done.
In Riverside, IEK said investigators should focus on the support system for the excavation and the retaining walls, which reportedly failed during construction. The institution stressed that these were early technical observations, not findings on cause or blame. It said responsibility should be established only through independent, evidence-based investigations.
IEK wants the national and county governments, the National Construction Authority (NCA), the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services and the National Building Inspectorate to carry out transparent and thorough investigations. It also wants work in the affected areas halted until the sites are cleared as safe. It called for action against anyone found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or breaking the law.
The engineers want developers compelled to hire registered engineers to oversee projects from design until occupation certificates are issued. They also asked for strict enforcement of workplace safety, protective gear and skilled workers on sites. IEK called for risk-based inspections of high-risk projects nationwide and a national review of construction safety rules.
The institution warned developers, contractors and building owners against cutting corners. It also told its own members to notify the NCA, the EBK and the county government if they leave a project before it is finished. This, it said, would stop building from continuing without professional supervision.